Curious to see how you feel about that unit after using it for a while. On the one hand I don't use a lot of pedals (in my main band I don't use any) and I don't have the patience for figuring out the modeling-preset-tweaking-calibrating biz that these things seem to require. On the other hand, if you can get it to do what you want and it's all self-contained in one portable unit, that's a very appealing option. So go ahead on and enjoy that. I'll just sit here and wait for an update.
You and me both!
I have my reservations, certainly. I will have to plan it and know what sounds I need going in to a gig, and make sure I have them saved as patches. As of right now, spontaneous on the fly stuff won't be likely. This one takes planning.
I've used mine for the last year and a half, and still very happy with the sounds I get from it.
I don't use a lot of effects, but they are there when I need them, and they all sound good when I use them. Like I said, it pays off to spend a bit of time setting things up, not only through headphones with the PC Editor, but in the rehearsal room too. However, once you're set up, that's it, unless you're adding effects to a core sound, or you're wanting to add another amp setup for a different sound.
You can set the HD so that the top row of switches turns effects on & off, and the bottom row changes between patches (standard setup), or you can set it so that all of the footswitches turn effects on & off. TBH, I haven't tried it with all switches for effects, and how to switch between patches with that setting, but it can be done. Haven't used the FX loop either.
How’s the headphone sound? Does it have a drum machine or any beats built in? How’s the looper?
I do a lot of practicing with just my Zoom B3 connected to the iMac. Having drums, even really basic beats, syncing to the looper is pretty sweet. No drift.
Getting good sound, like everybody says, takes some twiddling.
Noticing that the HD 500 is on sale at $400 new,...that’s the price of one Darkglass Alpha Omega Ultra.
I’m a Swiss Army knife kind of guy, ampless is my goal.
Headphone sound is great, no drum patterns, haven't tried the looper.
I went from a B3 to a PODxt Live to the HD500X. The HD is far better than either IMO.
My goal was ampless as well (still have one though!), and the HD500X succeeds in this remit.
Like I said in my earlier post, you don't need to buy an FRFR rig either, just use your existing bass amp, but bypass the amp's pre-amp section by plugging the HD into the FX Return.
Like I said, it works for me (and no complaints from the band either), and I've been using it for the last year and a half.
